A device that entirely turns off the audio when the audio goes below a pre-set level. That way random noise will not be heard on the output because the only time the system is turned on is when there is wanted sound that drowns out the noise.
A simple gate found on many compressors. The threshold (opening point) is typically the only adjustment available.
An expander with a fixed "infinite" downward expansion ratio. Used extensively for controlling unwanted noise, such as preventing "open" microphones and "hot" instrument pick-ups from introducing extraneous sounds into the system. When the incoming audio signal drops below the user set-point (the threshold point) the expander prevents any further output by reducing the gain to "zero." The actual gain reduction is typically on the order of -80 dB, thus once audio falls below the threshold, effectively the output level becomes the residual noise of the gate. Common terminology refers to the gate "opening" and "closing." Another popular application uses noise gates to enhance musical instrument sounds, especially percussion instruments. Judicious setting of a noise gate's attack (turn-on) and release (turn-off) times adds "punch," or "tightens" the percussive sound, making it more pronounced.
An active circuit which passes audio signals above a certain threshold level and mutes the signal output when no signal is present.
A process that is used to eliminate low-level hiss, background noise and/or unwanted leakage.
A piece of sound processing equipment that reduces background noise by muting a sound signal when it falls below a certain level, restoring it when the level increases again. Must be used on vocal microphones with care, because it may cut the signal off, although the vocalist is still singing quietly. Also known as an Expander.
A special type of expander with a very high ratio (usually about1:100), often used to eliminate low-level hiss, noise or leakage. Especially effective wherever there is a high level of ambient noise, such as around a drum kit.
a dynamics processor that mutes or significantly lowers the audio signal output when the input signal level falls below a user-defined threshold
a filter that analyzes a sound, looking for sections that have only noise, and filters all sound until there is some useful audio signal
an adjustable device that is set to a certain threshold of volume
a signal processor that turns off or significantly attenuates the audio signal when the signal level falls below a certain threshold
a very effective means of removing unwanted noise during the pauses between sounds, and you'd be surprised how much you can clean up a mix by gating any channels that contain parts that do not play all the way through the mix
When the incoming audio signal drops below a preset (the threshold point) a noise gate effectively shuts off the output by reducing the gain.
A device that attenuates a signal when the program level falls below a preset threshold.
A device for cutting out background noise during pauses when an instrument is not playing. Can also be used for creative effects.
A device used to modify a signal’s noise characteristics. In audio, a noise gate provides a setable signal level threshold below which all sound is removed. In video, noise gates provide optimal automatic suppression of snow (signal noise level).
An amplifier that has a zero output until the input level exceeds a chosen threshold level.
A function that is typically included as a feature in an audio product to automatically mute the output audio when the audio level is reduced below a minimum threshold value.
A noise gate is an electronic device or software logic that is used to control the volume of an audio signal. They are commonly used in the recording studio and sound reinforcement. Small portable units are also used by rock musicians to control unwanted noise from their amplification systems.